4 Reasons Why It’s Time For A Career Change

January 15th, 2019 / By triOS College

Is it time for a new career? If you have ever questioned whether to change gears in your profession, the start of a new year is a fitting time to reflect on this question and take action.

Below are four questions you can ask yourself to determine if it’s time for a new career.

new career signs on one way arrow sign pole

Changing careers means changing roles and industries, whether in a new position or industry. There’s no better time than now to explore new paths and challenges or even follow a dream you’ve held back for years.

1. Did you arrive where you are now on purpose?

Many of us have taken jobs for reasons outside of purpose or passion, while dreaming of a different path.

Perhaps after school, you took a job just for the money. Maybe you’re a new immigrant who took on a position just to fill your resume. Maybe life threw you a curve ball that required you to take the first role you could find. You may even be at a job that was meant to be temporary until your boss saw how effective you are. Whatever the practical reason, you settled for a job, maybe even getting promotions or switching companies throughout the years.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. If you’ve held on to a dream while securing your daily life, it may be time for you to chase it.

2. Is work bringing you down?

Half or more of our waking hours are spent at work. Your work baggage can easily follow you outside of the workplace. A 2018 survey by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in partnership with Morneau Shepell revealed that 70% of respondents said work had a negative impact on their overall mental health.

If you feel down every day and can trace it back to work, it may be time for a change.

3. Are you attracted to other industries?

Whether your interests have changed or you have always been drawn to a particular industry, new industries are blossoming and growth opportunities are unfolding every day.

For example, the tech industry in Canada is booming. CBRE reports that 29% of all tech talent in Canada is based in Toronto, making it the largest tech talent pool in the country and fourth in North America. At the same time, Randstad states that Toronto’s tech job market is the fastest growing in the country with a 14% year-over-year increase and a whopping 52% growth from the last five years.

IT World Canada asserts that the tech job market is growing so rapidly that there may be a shortage of tech talent in the next five years. If you can see yourself in this in-demand industry, it may be time to turn your interest into a career. Career colleges like triOS College can put you on the fast track to a career in technology.

If growth in other industries excites you, it may be time to shift gears.

4. Do you earn enough?

Money is a great motivator to keep a job even if it no longer serves your happiness. Having said that, the pay you received years ago may no longer be enough for the responsibilities you hold.

Randstad shared a list of the 15 most in-demand jobs of 2018, their growth anticipated to continue in the new year. Below is the list along with the pay you can expect for each occupation:

• General Laborer – $15.90 and $18.39 per hour
• Sales Representative – $52,000 to $64,000 (junior level)
• Accountant – $63,000 to $75,000
• Engineering project manager – $74,000 to $92,000
• Business Analyst – $73,000 and $87,000
• Customer Service Representative – $37,000 to $43,000
• IT Project Manager – $92,000 to $114,000
• Account Manager – $75,000 to $92,000
• Software Engineer – $83,000 to $99,000
• Forklift Operator – $16.59 to $19.42 per hour
• Recruiter – $59,000 to $71,000
• Administrative Assistant – $44,000 to $52,000
• Assembler – $17.62 to $20.63 per hour
• Machinist – $22.36 to $26.81 per hour
• Receptionist – $35,000 to $41,000

A few of these occupations may require years of education, experience and accreditation. Many of them are simpler to pursue. With the right resource in place like more education, within two years or even less, you can become an Administrative Assistant; start your career as an IT professional, eventually managing projects; or make a pit stop at earning a diploma in Accounting & Payroll Specialist on your way to becoming an Accountant.

If financial security has been the primary motivator for your career, know that plenty of well-paying opportunities are waiting for the right people to fill them.

What’s next?

Has reflecting on your experiences and goals led you to the conclusion that it’s time for a new career? If not, congratulations on being gainfully employed. If yes, then an exciting journey awaits you!

A more content, comfortable, and exciting life is within reach. The great news is the journey doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may have once thought. Research your options for more education, ideally choices that offer hands-on experiences. Career colleges can help you reach your goals faster by providing career-specific programs with tangible outcomes, and usually in shorter periods of time and with more scheduling flexibility. Career colleges are a bridge to the workforce, and your work is a step toward a more fulfilling, exciting life.

If you feel you need a new career and you’ve been waiting for a sign that now is the time, take this as your sign.

Check out our Program and Courses page to find out how you can get started on a new career!